Oct 29, 2014

Kelowna city workers ratify new agreement

KELOWNA - CUPE 338 members who work for the City of Kelowna have ratified a new five-year agreement.

The previous agreement expired in December 2013 and bargaining began April 1, 2014. Following a lengthy and difficult round of bargaining that included a strong strike vote and mediation, Kelowna city workers are pleased to have stability for five years.

CUPE 338 President Lee Mossman said that the union pushed back on concessions and worked hard to achieve a solid contract.

“The new agreement balances the needs of CUPE members and the City of Kelowna,” said Mossman. “Our ratification vote of 95 per cent is a strong endorsement of an agreement that allows our members to continue taking pride in delivering high quality municipal services that contribute to an excellent quality of life in our community.”

The new agreement is effective January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. It includes an increase of 2 per cent in 2014, 1.5 per cent in 2015 and 2016, 2 per cent in 2017 and 1.5 per cent in 2018, for a total of 8.5 per cent over the five-year period. As well, the union achieved new family leave provisions, a tool allowance, and vacation improvements.

CUPE 338 represents workers in the City of Kelowna as well as a number of other employers including the Regional District of Central Kelowna, the City of Kelowna Airport, and the Kelowna Museum Society.